HMX Caramel Pudding vs. Haimu Orange Sea

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Haimu Orange Sea both offer unique experiences for users, despite both being in the linear category. The Caramel Pudding is celebrated for its resonant, clacky sound signature and exquisitely smooth typing feel, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy auditory feedback and a tactile experience. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea switches stand out with their impeccably smooth type feel and neutral sound signature, appealing to users who prefer a quieter typing experience without sacrificing performance. Each switch caters to different preferences—whether you prioritize sound and tactile feedback with the Caramel Pudding or seamless, discreet typing with the Orange Sea. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Caramel Pudding Linear

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$2.79 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Haimu Orange Sea, the most significant difference lies in the top housing material used. The Caramel Pudding features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softness allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a rounder and more muted auditory experience. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea's top housing is made from polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This clarity can be particularly advantageous for users who prefer a more resonant sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate allows for better RGB lighting effects, enhancing the visual aesthetics of a keyboard setup.

While the top housings differ between the two switches, their bottom housings share a commonality—both are constructed from nylon. This material is renowned for its sound-absorption qualities, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound experience when typing. The presence of nylon in the bottom housing suggests that users will experience a consistent auditory characteristic when bottoming out on either switch, as this material tends to dull the sound and softens the impact felt during key presses. Consequently, despite the contrasting top housing materials, the similarity in the bottom housing creates a shared sonic foundation in both switches.

In essence, while the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Haimu Orange Sea diverge in their top housing materials—nylon versus polycarbonate—they converge with nylon at the bottom. This duality leads to a unique split in sound characteristics, with the top housing influencing the key release sound and the bottom housing affecting the key press experience. Therefore, each switch offers a complex auditory profile that reflects the distinct properties of its materials. Users can expect a rich and rounded sound from the nylon bottom in both models, while the varying top housings will cater to different auditory preferences—those seeking a muted sound versus those desiring a sharper pitch.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Caramel Pudding features a higher actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, categorizing it as medium-light, while the Orange Sea has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a light switch overall. This means that users who prefer less resistance for extended typing or gaming sessions might find the Orange Sea more comfortable due to its lower actuation force. In contrast, the Caramel Pudding's heavier forces may appeal to those who favor a more substantial typing experience. Overall, while both switches have distinct force characteristics, the Caramel Pudding is the heavier option, whereas the Orange Sea is the lighter choice.

Travel distance

The HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making them equivalent in this regard. Since they have the same travel distance, users can expect similar tactile feedback and key actuation behavior when pressing down on the keys. This uniformity in travel distance suggests that both switches are likely to deliver a comparable typing experience, allowing for smooth key presses and consistent performance across the board.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Caramel Pudding switches are known for their resonant, clacky sound signature, making them particularly appealing to those who enjoy an audible feedback while typing. This lively sound can add a playful element to the typing experience, but it may not be ideal for quieter environments where a more subdued noise is desirable. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea switches feature a neutral sound signature, which translates to a quieter, less pronounced auditory experience. This makes the Orange Sea switches a better choice for users who prefer a more discreet typing experience, especially in shared workspaces or during late-night sessions.

When we examine the feel of each switch, the Caramel Pudding switches are praised for their exquisitely smooth typing sensation. This smoothness allows for a comfortable and enjoyable experience, enhanced by the audible feedback they provide. Conversely, the Haimu Orange Sea switches are also characterized by an impeccably smooth typing feel, making them similarly pleasant to type on. Both switches provide a high level of comfort, but the distinct sound profiles can influence their overall appeal based on personal preference.

In conclusion, while both the HMX Caramel Pudding and Haimu Orange Sea linear switches offer a smooth typing experience, they diverge significantly in their sound signatures. The Caramel Pudding provides a more resonant and clacky auditory feedback, ideal for those who enjoy pronounced sounds, while the Orange Sea offers a neutral and quieter sound perfect for a more subdued atmosphere. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize sound or prefer a muted typing experience, but both switches promise an enjoyable and comfortable feel.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, it's essential to consider your preferences for sound, feel, and actuation force. If you enjoy a more pronounced, clacky sound that adds character to your typing experience, the Caramel Pudding switch is likely the better choice for you. Its medium-light actuation force of 52 grams ensures that it remains comfortable for extended typing sessions while providing a satisfying tactile experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter, more neutral sound signature for a more subdued environment—perhaps in an office setting—and a lighter actuation force of just 45 grams, then the Haimu Orange Sea switch may be the way to go. Both switches offer impeccable smoothness in their typing feel, but they cater to different aesthetics and use cases. Ultimately, your choice should reflect not only the type of sound and feel you’re seeking but also the environment in which you’ll be using your keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Caramel Pudding Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$2.79 per 10

Learn more